Thinking of others at the end of the financial year…

As the sun sets on the last day of the financial year, at White House we are thinking of others – in fact, we are thinking of you, our clients, who have supported the White House team and business through what has been an interesting 12 months in the local property market.

We are grateful for the confidence our sellers and landlords have placed in us to represent them in the marketing and sale and/or leasing and management of their properties. We are also grateful for the opportunity to help buyers and tenants find properties that will allow them to start the next chapter of their lives too.

There are also many of you we have met along the way and who may not have bought, sold or leased with us, with whom we have had wonderful interactions and, in many cases, built lovely relationships.

Our joy comes from helping people and we’ve delighted in the opportunity to meet and help you.

FROM THE DIRECTOR, STEFANIE DOBRO

As the financial year ends, it is also the time of year when the temperatures drop to their lowest of the year and we are also thinking of those for whom times are particularly challenging – those in need of shelter, food and mental health support, right here in our local communities.

The end of the financial year is an opportune time to make a tax-deductible donation to help those in great need.

A few of the local charities we are supporting are:

St Patrick’s Community Support Centre – For 50 years, St Pat’s have been helping rough sleepers and those doing it tough. This winter, we need your help to support people in our community. At their Day Centre in Fremantle, they’re serving 1,500 more meals a month than they were this time last year, and demand is 250% higher than they were experiencing pre-COVID. Their team of kitchen staff and volunteers are serving upwards of 150 people a day. The front-line staff are seeing significant increases in the number of people from all walks of life and ages turning to them for assistance and for help with basic needs such as food, warm clothing, and help with utility and rental payments. You can donate to the St Pat’s Winter Appeal by clicking here. Donations are used to supplement their frontline services, providing meals, food, showers, warm clothing and bedding at their peak times during the colder months.

Foodbank WA Foodbank – Australia’s largest food relief organisation, operating on a scale that makes it crucial to the work of the frontline charities who are feeding vulnerable Australians. Foodbank provides more than 70% of the food rescued for food relief organisations nation-wide. There are a variety of ways to support Foodbank WA and you can find out more here. If you’d like to make a donation click here.

Kai Fella Foundation – Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15-44. 75% of all mental illness will develop before the age of 25. Support and education is vital and Kai Fella Foundation believe early intervention is the best chance for positive change. Kai Fella Foundation, established by East Fremantle resident and business owner Claire Eardley in memory her son Kai, provides free workshops in schools and clubs that allow young people to talk about their challenges without judgement and providing strategies to build emotional muscle with peer support. They aim to change stereotypes, reach out, talk deeply, and save lives. We want to show young people they are not alone and foster an inclusive, supportive, and honest environment. Kai Fella Foundation are 100% run by volunteers. Your donation will go straight to the front line. Each participant costs $25 and each workshop costs $625. If you would like to donate to help our you live more fully today and tomorrow click here.

White House is also a supporter of REIWA’s Community Re-Invest program which focuses primarily on homelessness through a partnership with the Salvation Army.

THE LOCAL MARKET

The local market continues to be incredibly active and tight at the same time. While the headlines are correct in saying that demand is outstripping supply and there is a shortage of properties for sale, REIWA has revealed that, while “the number of new listings is lower than in recent years” the number of properties coming to market in Perth is actually 13 percent higher than in 2019. And the reason that there continues to be a “shortage” of listings for sale is that sales volumes (the number of properties selling) is actually up by a whopping 63 percent above 2019 (REIWA 23 June 2023).

REIWA is reporting that “The number of sales reported by our members each week has been 10-15 per cent higher than the number of weekly new listings since mid-April which has led to the shortfall in active listings.”

“Since 2010, sales volumes have usually been 15–30 percent lower than new listings, which enabled active listings to grow. For sales to be this much higher than new listings is unusual and has only happened a few times in the past 13 years, and never for two months in a row. ”

How long will this last?

It’s yet to be seen whether demand will continue to outstrip supply so significantly. We are receiving lots of requests for appraisals and we are increasingly aware that the increase in interest rates is starting to become less comfortable for home owners who stretched themselves when rates were at historic lows. We are anticipating there will be an increase in the volume of properties coming to market in spring which means more options for buyers and more competition for sellers.

With that information in mind, if you have had any thoughts of selling, we encourage you to contact us for a confidential discussion and obligation-free appraisal sooner rather than later. We are here to help you get the information you need to make informed decisions for your personal circumstances.

UNDER OFFER

It’s been a very strong dash to the finish line at the end of financial year. The team at White House have SOLD/put Under Offer six properties across East Fremantle, Fremantle, Lake Coogee, Success and White Gum Valley in the past seven days.

In East Fremantle, Team Dobro were thrilled to help our owner sell and our buyer secure the delightful townhouse at 6/10 Fraser Street within four days of going to market.

Advisor and Negotiator, Connie Handcock had a particularly strong finish to the financial year, selling three properties this week, two of which were in Fremantle proving she really is the Fremantle specialist. 88A South Street, Fremantle SOLD to a cash buyer after the first home open with 22 groups through. Connie found the perfect buyers for the historical home at 8 Swanbourne Street, Fremantle and in Lake Coogee she put 552 Rockingham Road, Lake Coogee under offer after the first home open to an excited buyer and the sellers were pleased with such a quick result.

Over in Success Advisor and Negotiator, Carlie Baker sold 5 Emperor Approach with six offers received and 35 home open attendees after just one open. The buyer was thrilled to secure the expansive single-level home ideally located in family friendly Success.

Our final sale for the week was by Advisor and Negotiator, Louise Pope who got Proposed Lot 1, 104 Wakins Street, White Gum Valley under offer to cash buyer who is local to the area.

So if you’ve had a thoughts of selling or would simply like a market update, please get in touch. We would love to help.

REIWA is reporting that the number of listings available for sale at 25 June remained below 5,500 at 5,463 which was a 0.5 percent increase over the previous week and still 36.% percent lower than 12 months ago. The sales volume was at 844 for the week which is 4.6 percent higher than the previous week and interestingly 0.4 percent lower than 12 months ago (We note the last weeks of the financial year often see strong sales as people make decisions around the new beginnings for the new financial year and start thinking about their plans for the second half of the year).

NEW TO MARKET

We are delighted to have launched four new listings to the market this week in Fremantle, North Coogee and White Gum Valley.

FREMANTLE

Nestled in the vibrant West End of Fremantle, this luxurious first-floor dwelling at 9/48 Henry Street presents a spacious haven that caters to the needs of busy individuals or downsizers in search of a convenient lifestyle. Surrounded by an array of cafes, restaurants and parkland, and only a 350m stroll from the beautiful Bathers Beach, this apartment is not one to miss! Anticipating buyer interest from the high $800,000s. Open to view for the first time on Wednesday, 5 July from 5-5:30pm

FREMANTLE

Welcome to 270a High Street, a beautiful family home on a 308sqm block nestled in the highly coveted suburb of Fremantle. This three bedroom, two bathroom strata property is tucked down a rear driveway with a generous double sized garage and small storeroom. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to secure a fantastic property in the heart of Fremantle. Anticipating buyer interest in the mid to high $800,000s. Please call Louise Pope on 0410 803 722 to view.

NORTH COOGEE

Situated in a desirable enclave within a stone’s throw from South Beach sits 7 Shoalwater Street, a highly desirable residence offering a stress-free living experience. Located just steps away from award winning Barrow Park, this unique pocket within the estate is renowned for its neighbourly interactions, friendly atmosphere, and community spirit. Homes like this one in this northern pocket of North Coogee are in high demand so do not delay! Anticipating buyer interest from $1,200,000 and upwards. Open to view Saturday 1st July 10-10:30am

WHITE GUM VALLEY

Built in the 1980’s, this quaint character cottage at 75a Hope Street sits on a 483sqm block surrounded by pockets of native bush and leafy trees. This delightful cottage style home offers a tranquil retreat and within close proximity to Fremantle and surrounds, with Booyeembara Park and Fremantle Public Golf Course a short walk away. Anticipating buyer interest in the $700,000s, may push into the $800,000s depending on buyer interest. Open for the first time this coming Saturday 1st July 11-11:30am

WHITE HOUSE CONFIDENTIAL

We have two properties being offered exclusively through White House Confidential in East Fremantle and Fremantle.

EAST FREMANTLE

This character home with a modern extension is one not to be missed! With stunning north facing light this three bedroom, two bathroom home sits in the Plympton Ward. Features include, recycled feature brick inside, double glazing, solar panels, butlers pantry, pitched wood feature ceiling to the extension in kitchen and living, large outdoor entertaining and an outdoor shower. Anticipating buyer interest in the mid $1ms. Please call Connie Handcock on 0411 115 147 to view this Saturday at 11am.

FREMANTLE

Experience the true essence of Fremantle with this magnificent two-level warehouse conversion that offers breathtaking views of the water and the vibrant life of the port. Immerse yourself in the serenity as you unwind on the deck, witnessing mesmerizing sunsets and elegant yachts gracefully sailing through Fremantle port. Anticipating buyer interest in the high $800,000s. Please call Connie Handcock on 0411 115 147 for more information.

DEPARTMENT OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

We are starting to see a slight slowdown in activity in the leasing market with tenants being more cautious in relation to weekly rents. Having said that, well presented and well-priced rentals are continuing to receive solid interest.

REIWA is reporting that the number of properties available for lease have increased by 0.5 percent over the previous week to 2,189 properties available as at 25 June. This figure is just 5.4 percent lower than 12 months ago (we were hovering around 20 percent below the previous 12 months for much of the financial year).

If you’re a prospective tenant, we have one new property available in Hamilton Hill.

HAMILTON HILL

5 Harfleur Place

Prepare to be impressed by this amazing and modern 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home that is located in an unbeatable location that is back on the rental market. Set on a 307sqm block, enjoy the convenience of nearby shopping and transportation, with Fremantle and Port Coogee just a short drive away. This property is perfect for a busy couple or small family seeking a comfortable and welcoming home. Please contact Veda Spence on 0499 171 457 or Monique Malarowski on 0418 228 524.

THIS WEEKEND

With the winter school holidays kicking off this weekend, we wish those taking some time off with their children quality time together.

If you are looking to buy, sell or lease, we will be opening our many beautiful listings for sale and lease this weekend, and we will look forward to meeting you at one of our home opens.

As always, we welcome your calls and look forward to helping you.

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